Journeyetc |
- Travel Tips: Sleeping in Airports
- Airport Hotel Highs: When Getting Stuck in an Airport is like Having a Vacation in Itself
- Where to find the best hot springs: check out these literally hot and steaming places
- California Surf Festival Kicks Off This October
- Boeing and Space Adventures Working on CST 100
- Napa-inspired Restaurant at Peabody Hotel Orlando
| Travel Tips: Sleeping in Airports Posted: 27 Sep 2010 05:03 AM PDT People sleeping in airport are not uncommon. In fact, sleeping in airports is expected. Unless the airport has an indoor gym, mall, swimming pools, and a casino, you will find people sleeping in airport terminals. Sometimes, there are people who occupy three chairs and are covered in a thick blanket without a care in the world. Nowadays, people sleeping in airports are anything but discreet. Besides, who would care to watch you snore when everyone seems to be rushing from one flight to another, fuming because of a delayed flight, and fighting boredom while, well, sleeping. Here are some tips for you if you plan to get some shut eye while waiting for your plane.
Make sure you really have a flight, okay? While airport sleeping is not uncommon and that most of the time, the airport staff wouldn't have the heart to wake you up from deep slumber to pester you with questions (besides, it's their fault why you're stood up and sleeping), make sure you really have a reason to be [sleeping] there. Most people opt to stay at nearby hotels or inns if they have to fly during the wee hours of the morning, but if you don't have the cash to spend on hotel accommodations and opt to sleep on the airport's waiting area, have you ticket handy and secure. Be there early…to find a good spot. Such an irony, isn't it? Your flight might be delayed or even canceled but you're early to find a good spot to relax your hot head. The chances of finding a good spot in a very crowded airport are slim. In choosing the right place to collapse, take into consideration the location, temperature, and foot traffic so you won't cause too much of a disturbance. Alternative: Sleep inside a rental car. Just make sure you turn off the engine okay? And park somewhere safe and free for the night. The good thing about sleeping in a rental car is that your luggage can go in the trunk and you can recline the seats for a more comfortable sleeping position. Expect delays and cancellation of flights due to Mother Nature. Sometimes, Mother Nature can be such a bitch. If you find yourself stuck in the airport for more than six hours without lounging, here are a few things you should pack ahead just in case you need to stay there for the night:
Act like you hate it. Whether you have a fetish for the smell of airports or you just have rotten luck that made you a professional airport sleeper, act like you want to sue the management first thing tomorrow morning. Avoid airport bribery. Yes, there are instances at the airport where you need to dole out some cash for bribery. The best thing to do is no to report it, rather, act innocent bordering on stupid. Act confused and blurt out phrases in a different language. When sleep won't come…entertain yourself by eating, reading, listening to music, sketching or better yet, take photos of the entire airport and chronicle your experience so you can rant about it on your blog for the entire world to read. Stay at the lounge. Some airports have 24-hour lounges for all travelers. Though it's not necessarily free of charge, the fee is a small price to pay for buffet meals and sitting areas that are comfortable enough to collapse into. They also have a shower there that you can use before boarding. Dress down. Unless you're 200% sure that your flight won't be canceled or delayed, do dress in comfortable clothes. Rummaging for flats and jeans and changing clothes at the airport can be such a drag. Don't forget to apply some antiperspirant too. Do be considerate. Observe courtesy. Be considerate and keep whatever ill feelings you have controlled unless you want security to drag you out of the airport and ban you from the place.
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| Airport Hotel Highs: When Getting Stuck in an Airport is like Having a Vacation in Itself Posted: 27 Sep 2010 04:40 AM PDT There are times when you get stuck in an airport due to inclement weather or to some disturbance at your destination. When bad luck hounds your plans, these airport hotels might change your perception of your situation. Melt the Stress Away
Of course it gets stressful once you’re landlocked inside an airport when you were just expecting to be done with the business of getting to where you’re going. But when you’re at the Hong Kong International, there’s no need to worry if you get billeted at the Regal Airport Hotel. Watch the other planes zip by while floating on a pool. You can somebody else rub your back at one of Om Spa’s outdoor cabanas. If your feet are feeling a little overused, try the foot massage and perhaps some manicure and pedicure. If there’s some place where you’d be in a matter of time, just tell the staff and they’ll accommodate the treatments that suit your needs. Bike Your Way Around
Why just sit around the airport when you can bike around while waiting for your flight? People who get billeted at the airport hotel of the Fairmont Vancouver Airport get a free use of their Cruise Bikes by BMW. There are bikes for kids and adults. There are various biking trails in the area which are not too challenging. You and your family can also go to the McDonald Beach Park where the hotel keeps its bee colonies. People who love to fish can also get their catch stored in the freezer of the hotel before they leave. 32 Course Challenge
If you get stuck around Oslo, there’s another Radisson Blu Hotel there which will offer you another experience. Check out the Fit4Flight center in the airport hotel in the Gardermoen Airport. You can play at their golf simulation which contains a pre-programmed course set of 32. The courses here will surely excite golfing fanatics even if they’ve been playing a long time already or just starting to learn how to tee. People can do solo sessions while a big group of as much as 14 people can play for a long game. Stand in front of the solariums and get your picture taken. You might even fool somebody you were at the green. To get to the hotel, just go on the walkway through the Oslo Airport. Become a Gourmand for Airport Chow
The Grand Hyatt DFW has a treasure in Jean-Claude Plihon. If you get lucky enough to get trapped in the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, saunter off to Terminal D and look for the Epicurean Studio. Chef Plihon will share his cooking secrets with you in his three hour cooking lessons. He’ll also have a DVD handy for you. You’ll have memories of your cooking lesson. His cooking sessions center on different international cuisines from French to Peruvian. Let Angels Give You Wine
If you happen to get stuck at the Stansted Airport, cheer up and head to the Angel’s Wine Tower Bar at the Radisson Blu Hotel London. The bar is on the lobby and if check the center of the bar, you’ll find a tower made of glass and metal which is used to contain over 4,000 wine bottles. Flying around the tower are the bar’s "angels" which will give you the drink you ordered after fetching it from one of the containers. Don’t worry though, the angels are all wearing harnesses which allow them to safely float around and bring you your drinks. The Radisson can be accessed via a walkway inside Stansted airport. Incoming search terms:• group travel • way airport
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| Where to find the best hot springs: check out these literally hot and steaming places Posted: 27 Sep 2010 03:42 AM PDT The usual consensus among travelers, especially for those on a budget or who don't always have the luxury of taking some time off, is that they want to be able to do any many things as they can while they're on holiday. With that in mind, people tend to cram their itineraries with activities for days on end, sacrificing sleep and rest just to be able to maximize what little time they have away from work, school projects, appointments, meetings, chores, and other obligations. Stories about travelers waking up at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise and staying up way past their bedtimes browsing through every stall at the night market are not uncommon.
Sure, traveling does give us memorable experiences we'll remember and cherish for the rest of our lives, but this also comes at a small price and that is aching joints and sore muscles the minute we get home. Wouldn't it be nice if during your vacation, you could set aside some time to pamper yourself and enjoy some of life's simple pleasures? If this sounds like your cup of tea, we recommend picking a destination that has hot springs so you can enjoy a nice soak after a day's worth of exploring. Soaking in a hot spring is something that doesn't really require anything, but does a lot for our body in terms of wellness and relaxation. All you need is the willingness to immerse yourself in warm water and let the heat penetrate your body, allowing your muscles to relax and relieving the tension that's been trapped in your joints. If you close your eyes, you may even hear the steady rhythm of your heartbeat getting slower as you descend into calm and serenity. What weary traveler can resist such an experience? For those who are curious about hot springs and how they occur, here's what we've been able to dig up from the archives: hot springs come about from two possible things and those are a) an underground source of water gets heated when it comes into contact with magma which is located near the crust of the Earth; or b) the energy that is produced by the Earth's core heats the water which is responsible for what we come now to know as geothermal springs. While the tradition of enjoying a nice, long soak in a hot spring is recognized in different parts of the world, the details vary from place to place. Not all baths are the same; there are some who enjoy soaking in unspoiled nature, while others prefer to soak in man-made tubs where water from a hot spring is directed. Temperatures also vary; some springs are so hot you can actually see the water boiling, while others produce water that's not painful to the touch. Some people may find the smell of sulfur springs to be particularly nasty, but then there are others who swear by the sulfur's magical effect on their skin. Lucky for us, hot springs can be found in countries across the globe. Whether you're in the tropics or in some temperate country way above the equator, there are places you can visit which promise a wonderful and relaxing experience. Heck, even Antarctica has hot springs, so there's simply no excuse why you can't get in on the fun. Remember to pack your swimsuits, and have a good trip! TAIWAN
So big is Japan's penchant for hot springs that it made its way to other neighboring countries one of which is Taiwan, another tropical country who enjoys the privilege of being home to lots of hot springs. The Taiwanese adopted the many traditions and styles of hot baths that were introduced to them by other countries and over the years, they have learned and come up with their own style. Nowadays, you will find baths in a number of varieties in Taiwan. What's also good is that in the quality of baths and services that these places offer have steadily increased in quality as the months and years go by. If you're ever in Taiwan for a vacation, you might want to travel to Beitou and make your way to Hell Valley. Here, you can meditate and get the ultimate relaxing treatment in any of their indoor pools. Hell Valley is an example of how you don't necessarily have to be outdoors sitting on a rock to be able to enjoy the benefits of a hot spring.
CANADA
It seems that the U.S. isn't the only one blessed with hot springs. Its neighbor country, Canada, is also home to these steaming pools of bliss. If you venture to the country's western region, there are so many hot springs around that you simply can't name them all. To give you a picture, there are hot springs that can be found smack in the middle of a lush, green forest; you can also take a nice, warm bath right next to a raging waterfall; or for something really different, how about bathing in warm waters surrounded by lots of obscure and mysterious stalactites? Popular Canadian destinations for fans of hot springs are Laird River Hot Springs and also Fairmont Hot Springs which can be found in British Columbia. If you desire something a bit more private, you can always visit Alberta and check out their pools; or journey to Yukon and look forward to a pleasant bathing experience. ANTARCTICA
Yes, we studied our geography and we now Antarctica is basically a huge chunk of ice located waaaaay down in the southern hemisphere. It may be unthinkable for some of you guys out there, but believe us when we tell you that amidst all this ice, snow, and freezing temperatures, you will find a spot that serves as an oasis of sorts. For travelers who are packing their luggage with thermal jackets, thermal pants, and even thermal underwear, we think a trip to Antarctica's Deception Island is definitely worth your time. The island is located near South America's tip, just in case you're interested; and what better way to appreciate the chilly environment than to bask in some warm water. PERU
Hikers who make their way to Machu Picchu no doubt suffer from tired legs and shoulders aching from lugging around heavy backpacks. Sure, you enjoy working up a sweat and getting a workout while you're on vacation, and we totally understand that subjecting your body to a bit of physical challenge is actually beneficial to your health. We're not opposed this at all, but we do feel that everyone who spends an entire day trudging up a mountain and back down again certainly earns a well deserved break. On the route going to Machu Picchu is a town called Aguas Calientes. Roughly translated into English, it simply means hot waters. Aguas Calientes has some terrific springs that offer weary hikers a welcome respite from all the huffing and puffing involved during long walks and tough climbs. Don't be afraid to take a little detour; the town is actually pretty close to the ruins, so you won't have to worry about messing up your itinerary. The distance from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is only about six kilometers. JAPAN
This small country located in Asia is situated right inside the Ring of Fire, which means it is home to a number of volcanoes that perpetually pose a very real and very dangerous threat to its residents. However, the presence of these mountains full of hot, boiling lava also signals the presence of hot springs in the area. In Japan, hot springs are called Onsen; and wherever there is a volcano, it means there is also a steaming, warm, inviting Onsen nearby. If you make your way to the city of Beppu located in the western part of the country, the hot springs have such a massive effect on the city that it is simply amazing. Because of the large volume of hot water that can be found underneath the streets of Beppu city, steam is released right out on to the street giving the illusion that there are always small fires burning away wherever you may go. This also gives the city lots of picturesque scenes that you can look back on. Traveling to the northern part of Honshu will bring you quite close to Nagano, where you will discover that not only humans but also monkeys know how to appreciate a warm bath. Nagano is home to a number of snow monkeys that attract lots of tourists from all over Japan and also from other countries. NEW ZEALAND
If you're ever in New Zealand and you find yourself envying the Kiwi you saw in the zoo who looked so content simply soaking in water, then we suggest that you stay in the country's northern region. This way, you can outsoak that darned Kiwi and better appreciate New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone. We're guessing that when you planned your trip to New Zealand, all you had in mind was fun and games in the water and heart stopping adventures such as surfing, hiking, swimming, wakeboarding etcetera. For the surfer dudes who want a bit of time off to regain their strength and ease the pain in your bodies, you can always visit Waiariki and subject yourself to water's therapeutic powers. UNITED STATES
Of course, we understand that not all of our dear readers are willing to board a plane and fly hundreds of miles away just to be able to take a warm bath. We've scoured the vast expanse of the United States of America to be able to give you the scoop on which areas have the best hot springs. There are a number of geothermal springs that can be found in the Rocky Mountains including the areas surrounding it. If you feel like you're breathed enough fresh air after hiking for five hours straight in these mountains, feel free to visit a hot spring and let the steam surround you. The Rocky Mountains is actually a good area to visit because the concentration of hot springs there is pretty big. In the areas surrounding Alaska, there are also lots of geothermal springs that are open to visitors. Visiting national parks such as Death Valley and also Big Bend is also a good way to locate these springs. After having a picnic at the Yellowstone national park, you can visit the hot spring and sit in comfort as you digest your food. Meanwhile in Arkansas, you can steam your pores open at any of their big bathhouses.
ICELAND
Fun fact: the word "geyser" traces its roots to this country situated in the northern hemisphere. Actually, the word was originally spelled as "geysir". Unfortunately, the geysir is no longer the source of a hot spring where you can sit in peacefully and soak your troubles away. For a long time now, it has stopped spewing out hot water, so don't have high hopes for this one when you come for a visit. However, if you're determined to go on a holiday where you can pamper yourself and get the royal treatment, you can always go to the blue lagoon which can be found in Iceland's southwestern region. The blue lagoon is situated right on top of a lava formation (need we say more?). CHILE
Bath addicts who confess to not being able to get enough of it despite their pruny fingers can have the time of their lives in Chile. This beautiful country located at the southern edge of South America has—get this—more than 275 spots where locals and tourists alike can take a long soak in warm, refreshing water. Chile's main source of hot spring water is Liquiñe. Don't worry if you don't speak the local language and you're afraid to ask questions from the locals, if you see a sign that says "termas" you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you're hit the jackpot. The high temperatures in these baths are nothing compared to the lukewarm water that you find in other pools, so it might be a good idea to slowly sink your body in the bath, as opposed to jumping right in. UNITED KINGDOM
We dare not end this list without making mention of the grand baths that were built by the Romans thousands of years ago. If you can keep yourself from cannonballing into the bath, you can visit Somerset and go sightseeing in Bath. This city is of course where the baths that the Romans built still stand today. After that, you can check out Thermae Bath Spa for a nice, warm bath.
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| California Surf Festival Kicks Off This October Posted: 27 Sep 2010 01:55 AM PDT
The festival is spearheaded by the folks from the Surf Museum in California. A film showing of the Sally Field movie, Accidental Icon marks the start of the annual festival. After which, you can actually meet the real Kathy Zuckerman. The festival will be showing several more surf-related movies. There's also a VIP affair for the fans of the famous surfers Keala Kenelly and Derek Dunfee. If you're a fan of underwater surfing, you can listen to Fiberglass & Megapixels as they show the process of capturing these images for movies and publications. There's also a surf-themed story telling with Near Tapachula who relays amazing story of how a couple in Australia teaches orphans the art of surfing. To cap off the event, professional surfer Donavon Frankenreiter, who happen to be a musician as well, will hold a concert. This land-based surfing celebration will take place in different spots in Oceanside. Tickets will be available soon but if you're just as interested as we are, you can check out the website of the California Surf Museum for details and announcements. Incoming search terms:• california surf festival movies
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| Boeing and Space Adventures Working on CST 100 Posted: 27 Sep 2010 01:38 AM PDT
The spacecraft is currently being engineered together with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 2015, the Boeing spacecraft will be able to transport at least seven passengers up to low orbit, around 62 miles about the surface of the Earth. The CST 100's flight operation will be under Space Adventures. The reality of the CST 100 can be used as transportation for the people working in space habitats projects. While there is still no word for the price tag for one low orbit space trip, commercial space travel isn't exactly for the average American family, right? Now, Space Adventure's competition with another space travel company called Virgin Galactic could, and we mean could, trim the price tag just a little bit. Yet, we still the prices to be well, out-of-this-world. Nevertheless, the reality of CST 100 by 2015 is a sign that commercial space travel could, someday, be just like a limo ride for everyone. And yet, not everyone can afford a limo. Incoming search terms:• boeing • space adventures
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| Napa-inspired Restaurant at Peabody Hotel Orlando Posted: 27 Sep 2010 12:56 AM PDT
The Peabody Hotel Orlando holds a reputation of being a Forbes Four-Star hotel and is said to be venturing into a million dollar expansion by Thursday. Apart from the new Napa-inspired restaurant, Rocks, a 6,000 square foot lounge is said to be in the works. The Napa Restaurant in the Peabody Hotel Orlando is expected to become a popular dining choice of businessmen since the hotel is a walking distance from the Orange County Convention Center. Now, weary businessmen can sit back, relax, and enjoy the splendid selection of wines of Napa Valley during their lunch hour break from the convention. The Napa menu has a wide variety of duck, pork, steak, and seafood dishes on their lineup. The absence of duck dishes on the menu could explain the Peabody Hotel Orlando's Duck March tradition which takes places everyday at 11 o'clock in the morning and 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Seriously, the Peabody Hotel Orlando is really serious about their ducks and if you don't believe us, might as well see it for yourself and dine at Napa while you're there. Incoming search terms:• lounge wine • napa Peabody • Napa Restaurant Orlando • Napa restaurant peabody hotel • peabody orlando napa
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